cometes

Idem in cometis fit: si rarus et insolitae figurae ignis apparuit, nemo non scire quid sit cupit et, oblitus aliorum, de adventicio quaerit, ignarus utrum debeat mirari an timere.

‘The same thing happens in the case of comets. If a rare fire, and one of unusual shape, appears everyone wants to know what it is and, ignoring the other celestial phenomena, asks about the newcomer, uncertain whether he ought to admire or fear it.’

rare

Nam primum astrorum volucris te consule motus concursusque gravis stellarum ardore micantis tu quoque, cum tumulos Albano in monte nivalis lustrasti et laeto mactasti lacte Latinas, vidisti et claro tremulos ardore cometas, multaque misceri nocturna strage putasti

‘You, being consul, at once did observe the swift constellations, Noting the glare of luminous stars in direful conjunction; Then you beheld the tremulous sheen of the Northern aurora, When, on ascending the mountainous heights of snowy Albanus, You offered joyful libations of milk at the Feast of the Latins’